SUMMARY:
If you are a visionary Head Chef with a passion for fine dining, sustainability, eatery management, and innovation, we would love to hear from you!
POSITION INFO:
Head Chef – Fine Dining, Eatery & Farm-to-Table
Our client is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to oversee the eatery, product development, and ongoing staff training. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in fine dining and farm-to-table cuisine, excelling in menu development, product innovation, and seasonal ingredient utilization while maintaining the highest culinary standards. This role requires exceptional leadership, integrity, accountability, creativity, and a commitment to sustainability. The successful candidate will also be responsible for overseeing all aspects of kitchen operations, cost control, team management, and staff training.
Key Responsibilities
Menu & Product Development:
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Design and implement seasonal menus that highlight fresh, local, and sustainable ingredients.
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Innovate and develop new dishes while ensuring consistency in quality, taste, and presentation.
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Collaborate with suppliers and local farmers to source top-quality seasonal produce.
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Maintain up-to-date knowledge of culinary trends and incorporate them into the menu.
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Oversee product and recipe development, ensuring accurate documentation and filing.
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Develop and cost all food items for the eatery and deli.
Kitchen Operations & Management:
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Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring efficiency and adherence to high culinary standards.
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Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, and sanitation regulations.
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Manage inventory, cost control, and supplier relationships.
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Implement and monitor kitchen budgets, waste management, and cost reduction strategies.
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Conduct monthly stock take and ensure proper stock rotation to minimize food wastage.
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Oversee BoH and FoH kitchens, ensuring health, safety, cleanliness, and food production standards are upheld.
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Open and close the kitchen as per the weekly timetable.
Team Leadership & Training:
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Lead, train, and mentor kitchen staff to maintain a culture of excellence and professionalism.
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Ensure smooth communication and collaboration between kitchen and front-of-house teams.
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Conduct performance evaluations and implement staff development programs.
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Recruit, train, and retain high-caliber kitchen staff.
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Oversee staff training in food preparation and presentation for both the eatery and deli.
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Supervise and provide direction to Sous Chef, Operational Chef, and Pastry Chef.
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Ensure all kitchen staff report appropriately to their designated senior chefs.
Financial & Administrative Duties:
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Develop and manage kitchen budgets, ensuring profitability.
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Oversee financial reporting, menu costing, and operational expenditures.
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Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
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Maintain accurate records of kitchen operations, including inventory, orders, and supplier invoices.
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Commit to special projects, ensuring deadlines and implementations are met through the operational kitchen team.
Requirements:
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Proven experience as a Head Chef in a fine dining, eatery, or farm-to-table establishment.
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Matric qualification (required); a tertiary qualification in a relevant field is advantageous.
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Strong knowledge of farm-to-table cuisine, seasonal ingredients, and sustainable practices.
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Expertise in menu development, product innovation, and modern culinary techniques.
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Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
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Ability to work in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment while maintaining quality standards.
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Strong staff management experience, including training, performance evaluation, and development.
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Experience with budgets, financial reporting, and cost control.
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Knowledge of food safety regulations, stock control, and waste reduction principles.
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A high level of integrity, accountability, and a willingness to listen and implement directives.
If you are a visionary Head Chef with a passion for fine dining, sustainability, eatery management, and innovation, we would love to hear from you!
How to Apply:
Please send your updated CV and relevant documents to .
